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West Catholic receives $5 million gift

February 26, 2016

West CatholicWest Catholic Preparatory High School (45th and Chestnut) recently received a $5 million gift, according to reports.

The benefactor is Leonard Mazur, a 1963 alumnus of West Philadelphia Catholic High School for Boys, which merged with West Philadelphia Catholic Girls High School in 1989 to form West Philadelphia Catholic High School.

The money, which Mazur donated with his wife, Helen, will support the school’s strategic plan which focuses on academics and students.

A native of Southwest Philadelphia, Mazur is the CEO of Citius Pharmaceuticals, a company based in Maynard, Mass., according to a report by Philly.com. He’s also a member of the School’s board.

The 100-year-old school was in danger of closing in 2012 due to lack of funding, but was saved in 2013 with a $1 million donation. It also changed its name to West Catholic Preparatory High School. Since then, the school has been trying to remain financially self-sufficient, increase enrollment numbers and improve the quality of education. The school has also seen several changes in leadership over the past few years.

Last month, the school’s Board of Trustees in partnership with the Office of Catholic Education of the Archdiocese of Philadelphia, officially began the search for the new president. Current President, Brother Richard Kestler, has announced his resignation effective June 30, 2016.

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